Frensham Pond Sailability celebrates a year of achievement
by Jim Morley 3 Dec 2007 06:10 GMT
Access Class Captain, Simon Jackosn receiving the Lions Plate for outstanding service to Sailability © Jim Morley
Frensham Pond Sailability celebrated a year of achievement, both on the competitive circuit and with hundreds of hours good sailing on the home water.
Over forty sailors and helpers braved wind and rain to be present at Sailability’s annual meeting. Sailability Chairman, Brian Grimwood reported a steady growth in numbers sailing, with 103 members both regular and from outside groups. These had taken part in an astonishing 1510 individual sailing sessions assisted by 70 helpers, including Cadets from the main club. Some adult regular sailors travel from as far as Southampton and Peacehaven in Sussex. Special mention was made of young sailor, Ryan Shore from Stepping Stones Special School, Grayshott, who made spectacular progress and is now sailing solo.
Local groups and individuals continue to contribute with funds and equipment including a fine donation from Hants Railway Independent Charity, enabling a new hut and store to be built. Local grants have also led to the building of a badly needed jetty.
The season’s greatest triumph was away from Frensham. Sailors and helpers trailed their Access dinghies to eight away meetings in the class Traveller’s Trophy at venues hundreds of road miles apart. At the end of the series it was Frensham who came home with the Ben Ainslie Trophy as top team in the UK.
Team members:
Single-handed Access 2.2 National Champion:
Ann Lewis
303 Access team:
Dave Harris, Kate Lintott & Andy Sheaf, Laura & Rob Wright, Katie & Denis Whitely
Much credit is due to coaches, Nick Clibborn and Richard Smallwood but above all to Class Captain Simon Jackson. Simon who has led the Access class over several years was honoured with Farnham Lions Endeavour Plate for outstanding service to Sailability and good wishes for the future in a new job posting in the north of England.
Prizes awarded:
Access Thursday Summer Series:
1st Dave Harris
2nd Philip Wright
3rd Adrian Porter
Saturday Series:
1st Dave Harris
2nd Adrian Porter
3rd Mike Jordan